Sydney Fish Market. Photo / Alexia Santamaria
Alexia Santamaria hops across the Ditch to find the best eateries worth travelling for.
Just a hop across the Tasman, Sydney feels like an easy, familiar neighbour – and in so many ways it really is. But luckily for us, it’s also one of the Southern Hemisphere’s great food capitals, and its much larger population means a much larger culinary scene.
From freshly shucked oysters on the harbour to hidden laneway cocktail bars, fine dining to cheap eats that could rival your favourite hawker stalls, it’s hard to believe a city with this much flavour and diversity is only a three and a half hour flight from Auckland.
After a long time between trips, I was recently reminded just how much good eating there is in this vibrant Australian city.
Sydney’s thriving Greek community has long added colour and flavour to the city’s dining scene, but 2025 has stepped up another notch, with eight new restaurants opening.
Olympus Dining is the one everyone’s talking about, but I also visited Akti and Etheus and was blown away not only by the food (I could be very happy snacking on the crudo, olives and Melitzanosalata with fresh pita bread at Akti all day) but by the fabulous fitouts and clever, contemporary cocktails like the Spasta (Ouzeus Lime, Skinos Mastiha, dill-lemon cordial, supasawa) or the Aperol, Limoncello, clarified guava, pistachio orgeat combo.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous since we only have a handful of great Greek spots back home – and being able to stroll Bondi Beach after fresh oysters, rich saganaki. Zesty Greek Salad and fall-apart lamb Kleftiko at Etheus was heaven.
It’s no secret Aussies turn out some pretty incredible beef – almost as good as ours – but you might not know that in this year’s World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list, 17 were from Australia, and 11 of those from Sydney: Margaret, Rockpool, The International, Firedoor, Porteño, The Gidley, Aalia, Shell House, The Cut Bar & Grill, 20 Chapel, and Bistecca.
After a visit to Margaret (ranked No 2) and The International (ranked No 14), I can confirm both were exceptional.
Even with Neil Perry at the helm, I was sceptical about what could make the 240g David Blackmore Wagyu rump with anchovy butter at Margaret rank so high, but it delivered as perhaps the best steak I’ve ever had (it’s certainly not cheap, but the menu is designed for sharing).
Also recently opened and worth mentioning is 24 York, where the sole menu item is a grass-fed Scotch fillet accompanied by beef tallow shoestring fries (the only variations are peppercorn, chimichurri, umami butter, or veal jus sauce). Book ahead as it’s often full.
Sydney is always a great night out, and I was struck by how comfortable I felt in every bar I visited. Being a ‘few years’ older than the 20-something crowd, it was refreshing to see people of all ages, stages, styles, and vibes out having a great time. Maybe Sammy ranks among the World’s 50 Best Bars regularly (this year included) for good reason, and if great mezcal and margs are your thing don’t miss Cantina OK!, a tiny spot in Council Place.
Also from the Mucho Group is hot new spot Herbs Taverne, where it’s all about Negronis, and popcorn comes standard for every table. I also loved watching the world go by over a refreshing concoction of lime leaf vodka, clarified mandarin, bergamot and bubbles from the rooftop at Smoke Bar in Barangaroo.
The newly launched Inner West Distillery Trail runs from Balmain and Rozelle through to Lilyfield and Marrickville and includes nine distilleries (four of which have won awards this year). This area is home to more micro-distilleries than anywhere else in Australia
While Sydney excels at fine dining, it’s just as much fun exploring its cheap-and-cheerful side. If you’re staying central, head towards bustling Hay Street and Chinatown, where you can feast on fresh crispy roast duck, hand-pulled noodles, dumplings and all your favourites – whether you’re after the old-school charm of the original Chinatown or the more modern vibe around Darling Square and surrounds.
The area around Pitt and Goulburn Streets is known as Little Thai Town, while Pitt and Liverpool Streets are nicknamed Koreatown, and you’ll see why. Nearby, stock up on gorgeous fresh fruit (mangoes that might just make you weep with joy) at Paddy’s Market, and check out its new addition, Hay Street Market, a super-bougie indoor permanent market – complete with bar and lots of food to eat on site.
And if seafood is your thing, the Sydney Fish Market is the stuff of dreams. Depending on when you visit, you may even catch it in its brand-new location, set to be one of the city’s most exciting new attractions.
Sydney really is a city made for eating, and after a few days hopping between high-end haunts and hole-in-the-wall gems, I was reminded just how good it is to have such deliciousness so close to home. Lucky, lucky us.
The writer travelled courtesy of Destination NSW.